Category Archives: Easy Recipes

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

January 20, 2022 by pamflo

This chia seed pudding recipe is as simple as it gets. There is no cooking involved and the pudding has only 6 ingredients. These small seeds pack a big nutrient punch. They’re gluten free, a great source of protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Although the chia seeds are flavorless this is where your choice of milk and toppings will make all the difference. I like the way the chia seeds swell and thicken when immersed in liquid. Thick and […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Chocolate, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Seeds, Snack • Tags: No Cooking

Leave a comment

Spicy Chicken Chili

January 13, 2022 by pamflo

Spices are the secret to making a super flavorful chili! Using dried spices can add so much flavor, texture and heat to a dish. Dried ground spices usually have a shelf life of 6 months and whole spices will last up to a year, so ensure that your spices are fresh. If they don’t smell strong, it’s time for a new bottle. Store your dried spices in a cool dry place. This chili recipe has a variety of dried spices to […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Game Day, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, One-Pot Meals, Soups/Stews, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Blueberry Muffins

January 6, 2022 by pamflo

Packed with antioxidants and nutrients, fresh blueberries are perfect for these muffins. However, if fresh blueberries are unavailable frozen berries will work as well. When you buy fresh blueberries and can’t use them all, freeze them. Gently wash and pat berries dry, pick through to remove the stems and squashed ones. Place the berries on a sheet tray in one layer, and place in the freezer. Once frozen, store in a zip-lock freezer bag until ready for baking. The blueberries […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Muffins, Snack • Tags: Bake

Candied Walnuts

December 23, 2021 by pamflo

If you’re in need of a festive gift idea, these candied walnuts are a simple and healthier version of glazed nuts. The nuts are roasted in a combination of maple syrup and honey as a substitute for granulated sugar. In addition to giving these caramelized nuts as a gift, you can toss them into a salad, mix with your favorite popcorn, add to your oatmeal or just snack on them. These candied walnuts are also a perfect compliment to a […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gifts, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Nuts, Snack • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Holiday Dessert Board

December 16, 2021 by pamflo

Looking for an easy way to serve dessert for the holidays, this dessert board is a fun and festive idea! My board has mugs of steamy oat milk hot chocolate (recipe below) and mini marshmallows, as well as an assortment of delicious cookies and pastries. I used the Oatly brand of oat milk which makes a very creamy hot chocolate. You can add sugar, vanilla extract and cinnamon, if you please. My hot chocolate had nothing added to it except […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas • Tags: No Cooking

Leave a comment

Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

November 23, 2021 by pamflo

Roasting Brussels sprouts changes them from raw, sharp vegetables to sweet and nutty nuggets. Brussels sprouts are high in fiber, antioxidants and vitamins. My Brussels sprouts are simply roasted with olive oil, salt, pepper and then finished with freshly grated parmesan cheese, lemon zest and fresh lemon juice. I roasted the sprouts until they were just charred on the outside and tender on the inside. Simple, easy and delicious! A perfect side dish for the holidays. The leftover sprouts will […]

Categories: Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish • Tags: Roast

Gruyère Popovers

November 18, 2021 by pamflo

I have an interesting past with popovers. My sister and I spent a summer during our college years working as “popover girls” for the Cape Cod location of Anthony’s Pier 4 Restaurant. We delivered popovers to each table in a big wicker basket and served every customer a hot, steamy popover. Popovers are easy to make and for me a reminder of those fun summer days. Although using the deep-sided 6-cup steel popover pans help you achieve the puffy tops […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Holiday Ideas, Popovers, Side Dish • Tags: Bake

Leave a comment

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

November 11, 2021 by pamflo

On cold mornings, I’m craving a creamy, steamy bowl of warmth and this bowl of porridge is totally satisfying, especially with the addition of pumpkin puree. Canned pumpkin is cooked and pureed pumpkin flesh, nothing more. It’s flavorful, nutrient dense and packed with vitamins and minerals. There are many options for topping your oatmeal. My porridge is topped with toasted pecans, plump blueberries and oat milk. Consider other types of nuts, dried or fresh fruit and your favorite milk. It’s […]

Categories: Breakfast Ideas, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Simmer

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

November 4, 2021 by pamflo

These humble heads of white florets can be transformed into a tender, creamy and delicious addition to an entree or center stage with other fun side dishes. Cauliflower is a great source of antioxidants and fiber, as well as an excellent replacement for grains. This recipe is easy to make and will convert even a non-cauliflower eater. The cauliflower heads will bake for about an hour or so and once they have cooled you can slice into steaks, coat with […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Side Dish, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Fennel and Carrot Soup

October 28, 2021 by pamflo

Raw fennel has a similar taste to anise, but don’t let that intimidate you. Fennel is a flavorful addition to salads, soups and savory dishes, and just happens to be a good source of vitamin C. Cooking fennel slowly in olive oil or butter, mellows and sweetens the flavor. Smooth and silky, you’ll find this soup quite tasty. The process of sweating the vegetables or cooking until softened and the moisture is released, brings out the subtle flavors. Consider serving the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables, Vegetarian • Tags: Sauté, Simmer, Whiz

Leave a comment

Pears Poached in White Wine

October 21, 2021 by pamflo

Poached pears are an easy, delicious and elegant dessert. The pears can also be added to a salad or served alongside a cheese platter. Always use wine that you’re willing to drink. A sweeter white wine works for this recipe such as Chardonnay or a Riesling. Firm pears like Anjou or Bosc are the best type to poach, as they hold their shape. You’ll peel the pears leaving the stem intact, but also slice a 1/2 inch off of the […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Desserts, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas • Tags: Poach

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

October 14, 2021 by pamflo

Although this post comes at the tail end of mango season in the United States, hopefully you can find imported mangoes in your market as it’s the highlight of this ceviche recipe. The mango is an aromatic fruit that is part of the cashew family and a solid source of antioxidants, fiber and vitamin C. Mangoes have immune boosting properties and are beneficial for digestive health. You can use any type of fresh salmon that you like, but make sure […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Fruit, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Seafood • Tags: No Cooking

Leave a comment

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

October 7, 2021 by pamflo

There are many winter squash options at the markets now. They’re harvested in the fall and if stored in a cool dry spot, they’ll last for a while. Delicata squash, with its pale yellow, cylindrical shape is a perfect vessel for stuffing. The skin is delicate and eatable. When purchasing squashes make sure they’re firm and free of bruises. Squash brimming with a scrumptious filling, is a beautiful dish to serve. The squash can be roasted ahead of time and then […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Lunch Ideas, Nuts, Rice/Grains, Side Dish, Vegetables • Tags: Roast, Simmer

Leave a comment

Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

September 30, 2021 by pamflo

The combination of two kinds of mustard, maple syrup and fresh lemon juice makes a delectable sauce for the salmon. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, many vitamins and minerals and an outstanding source of protein. Both farm-raised and wild salmon work well for this recipe. I used metal skewers for threading the salmon cubes but if you use wooden skewers they’ll need to be soaked for 30 minutes in water, so they don’t burn in the […]

Categories: Crowd Pleaser, Dairy Free, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Seafood • Tags: Roast

Leave a comment

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup

September 9, 2021 by pamflo

Although fall is in view, this chilled soup is a throwback to summer and you can use the remainder of the beautiful ripe tomatoes. This is a refreshing tomato soup that is light and simple to make. It’s actually a twist on a Greek salad, but re-invented as a soup. The fresh oregano adds an earthy, peppery flavor. If you’re unable to find it you can substitute fresh thyme or basil leaves. A good blender, Cuisinart, or immersion blender is […]

Categories: Appetizer, Crowd Pleaser, Easy Recipes, Gluten Free, Healthish, Holiday Ideas, Lunch Ideas, Soup, Vegetables • Tags: Sauté, Whiz

Leave a comment

Zest For Cooking

I love to cook and share my love of food!

Category Archives: Easy Recipes

Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Spicy Chicken Chili

Blueberry Muffins

Candied Walnuts

Holiday Dessert Board

Lemon Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Gruyère Popovers

Pumpkin Maple Oatmeal

Whole Roasted Cauliflower

Fennel and Carrot Soup

Pears Poached in White Wine

Salmon and Mango Ceviche

Quinoa Stuffed Delicata Squash

Mustard Maple Glazed Salmon Skewers

Simple Chilled Tomato Soup